Millions Under Threat For Week Of Severe Storms With Heavy Rain, Tornadoes

Severe storms have erupted over the Great Plains, marking the start of a week-long weather threat across the central and eastern United States. The storms began on Wednesday (May 14) over Nebraska and the Dakotas, and are expected to shift to the Midwest and Ohio Valley by Thursday. The Great Plains will face the highest risk of severe weather over the weekend, with Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas potentially experiencing multiple days of dangerous storms.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has warned of an overlap of severe weather parameters, including instability and shear, which could lead to organized and widespread severe threats. The Weather Channel reports that wind damage and large hail are the primary threats, with a possible tornado risk, especially in Nebraska. The storms are expected to be most severe in Wisconsin and northern Illinois on Thursday, with the potential for hail the size of golf balls or larger, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes.

As the week progresses, the focus for severe storms will shift southward into the Ohio and Mississippi valleys, affecting cities like Indianapolis, Memphis, and Little Rock. By the weekend and early next week, the Central and Southern Plains, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, will be under threat. The storms could bring tornadoes, wind damage, and large hail.

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed and have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts. The National Weather Service recommends having a plan for seeking safe shelter when severe weather strikes.